The Living Wills Comes Out Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the official release date of "The Living Wills". Over the past ten days or so, we've been giving you little hints and previews of what you will find in the pages of this exciting new novel by Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer.

We've mentioned the unique plot lines, and the great Chicago locations, but we haven't really talked about the characters in the book. Who are these people living in the pages of "The Living Wills"?

Well, you'll meet the following people: Baristas, Vietnam Veterans, Corporate Fish Accountants, Hot-shot young Lawyers, Parking Garage Attendants, Port-a-Potty Salesmen, Truckers, Librarians, Campers, Wisconsinites, Bowlers, Drunks, Recovered Drunks, Homeless People, Carpet Executives, Real Estate Agents, Doctors, Babysitters, and Children.

Remember that even though it sounds like an odd mixture, the Chicago Tribune's Rick Kogan points out that it's "Rollicking and real on so many levels..."

He would know.

If you haven't ordered it yet, here's where to go. Be among the lucky people to get a copy of the First Edition.

We'll finally get our hands on it tomorrow. It will be in your hands shortly thereafter.

Another nice Living Wills mention

Tom Taylor writes the widely read (among media types) Taylor on Radio-Info column at Radio-Info.com, and he also had a blurb in his column about "The Living Wills"...

“Two former radio guys” write a “collaborative novel”, says publisher Eckhartz Press. “The Living Wills" is about “a split-second decision made 30 years ago and the ripple effects it caused. Can the man who made that decision and the people he affected maneuver their way through a world of baristas and Army veterans, bowling teams and exploding port-a-potties, cartoon pirates and young love, to find the strength to heal before it's too late?” Co-author Rick Kaempfer once worked for Steve Dahl, Garry Meier and John Records Landecker, and Brendan Sullivan worked for Jonathon Brandmeier. Rick tells TRI “The two of us met in the hallways of the Loop back in the late 1980s.” Rick’s two previous books were both about the business – “The Radio Producer’s Handbook” and “$everance.”

By the way, Brendan points out that he and Rick actually met in 1991...but it was at the Loop, just as Rick remembers. Rick has been properly chastised for getting the timing wrong by a year or two. (Let's face it, they aren't getting any younger)

Some Pub For "The Living Wills"

The Morning Mouth is a very influential radio trade magazine for creative radio shows, and this morning they mentioned two Eckhartz Press authors, and their new book "The Living Wills". Thanks so much to The Morning Mouth for their kind words.

THE MOUTH, NOVEMBER 28TH, 2011 –– In the executive restroom at Jockline Daily's world headquarters, you'll find copies of Rick Kaempfer's first novel "$everance" (2007), and “The Radio Producers Handbook” (2004). Before becoming a full-time writer, Rick was a nationally recognized radio producer in Chicago for Steve Dahl & Garry Meier (1987-1991) and John Records Landecker (1993-2003). He currently writes a weekly parenting column (“Father Knows Nothing”), a humor column for Shore Magazine (“A Fine Mess”), a daily blog ("Rick Kaempfer") and is editor-in-chief of the Cubs history website, Just One Bad Century. Now comes word of his latest offering: "The Living Wills," to be shipped on December 1st. Co-written with creativity coach Brendan Sullivan. Rick told Jockline Daily: "My co-author Brendan and I met when we were both working at the Loop in Chicago in the late 80s (he was with Brandmeier and I was with Steve & Garry). Coming from a collaborative medium like radio gave us the perfect experience to collaborate on this novel. Plus, we both have pretty thick skin after working as producers, so we could critique each other honestly without worrying about hurt feelings." The Living Wills will be available in paperback.

Rick is especially proud of where they keep his first two books: the executive restroom. "Perfect location," he tells us.

If you still haven't pre-ordered your copy of "The Living Wills", which by the way is also excellent executive restroom reading (short chapters), it's one simple click away.

Countdown to The Living Wills

In the days leading up to the December 1st (that's this Thursday!) release of "The Living Wills", we'll be giving you little hints and previews of what you will find in the pages of this exciting new novel by Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer.

Actor William Petersen (CSI) noted in his recommendation of "The Living Wills" that it was a true Chicago novel.

Here are a few more of the Chicago locations, and the chapters you'll find them...

Lower Wacker Drive

Chapters 7, 17, 29, and 47

Grant Park

Chapter 36

Waveland Bowl

Chapters 2, 12, 22, 34, 41, 46, 49, 51, & 55

A Gift Suggestion

It's the biggest shopping day of the year. You can go claw your way through gigantic crowds, or simply click on this page at Eckhartz Press to purchase a book called "The Living Wills". It makes a great Christmas or Hanukkah gift.

Let us pre-create that moment for you...

"What's this? It's shaped like a book. Is it the book I think it is?" (unwrap, unwrap, unwrap) "OH BOY! FANTASTIC! It's that new novel by Rick Kaempfer and Brendan Sullivan! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It's exactly what I wanted."

Look at that imaginary smile. It's blinding you, isn't it? That smile is easily worth the very reasonable $15.95, wouldn't you say?

Happy Thanksgiving!

From your friends at Eckhartz Press!

Countdown to The Living Wills

In the days leading up to the December 1st release of "The Living Wills", we'll be giving you little hints and previews of what you will find in the pages of this exciting new novel by Eckhartz Press authors Brendan Sullivan and Rick Kaempfer.

Today we'd like to explain the origin of this memorable cover.

Esteemed Chicago artist (and native of Wales) Jon Langford was given an earlier draft of the book by co-author Brendan Sullivan. Brendan asked: "If you like it, would you be willing to create a cover for it?"

Langford agreed. He was inspired by the bowling team that shares the title's name, and the location of the book (Chicago), and created this beautiful piece of art.

For those of you not familiar with Langford, the talented artist/musician's website is here. (He's on Facebook too)

Brendan and Rick are honored to have his artwork on the cover of their book.